I'm constantly trying to declutter and organize my apartment and life. Some of these tips are a little extreme (keeping the coffee table clear? I much prefer styled with books)... but there were a few good takeaways.

Not much going on with me lately... just popping in to share these links I have saved over the past few weeks. Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Ted and I will be visiting West Palm Beach for the first time in April. I don't want to wish away 1/4 of the year, but it can't come soon enough. While Ted is playing golf, you will find me lounging by the pool or strolling Worth Avenue. The flights and accommodations are booked. Now I'm planning our itinerary, tips welcome.

Synonymous with Palm Beach is Lilly Pulitzer. If you are a Lilly fan living on Earth, then you most likely saw the news yesterday that a Target collaboration is coming. See the sneak peak here and search #lillyfortarget on Instagram. After initial shock that my online attempts failed, my life went on without a 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target crossbody bag last September. As the years go on I am trying to overcome the hype of these sales. That doesn't mean I won't be at the door when Target opens on April 19, bee-lining it straight to the home section. But if it doesn't work out for me as planned, I'll survive. Do you think this will be the most sought after collab yet?

Monday, January 5, 2015

Until Instagram's Valencia filter can be bottled up, I'm on the hunt for the best skincare products. This is where the French come in...

Gwyneth Paltrow spilled her French Pharmacy beauty and skincare favorites on GOOP back in 2011 and since I have continued to see articles devoted to la pharmacie and products favored by makeup artists, models and beauty junkies alike. High quality at reasonable prices.

It was my mission when I went to Paris last fall to come back with a haul of new goodies to try. The majority of my purchases are listed below and can be found online or at drugstores in the US, but with a higher price tag. Target has recently expanded their skincare section to include La Roche Posay, Vichy and Nuxe.

It doesn't take much research to learn that the place to go in Paris is City Pharma, widely known for discounted prices. I had a printout (old school, what if my phone died?) with pictures of all the products I wanted to find. I dragged my friend Kate with me for the foreign scavenger hunt. Once we stepped inside, it was mayhem. I can only equate it to Black Friday madness with a never ending supply and crowd.

After a half hour I called it quits and got in line to check out. I didn't want to hold up our crew any longer trying to decide on products that I didn't exactly remember their purpose. Luckily, the pharmacy closest to our flat in St. Michel had comparable prices to City Pharma. I picked up a few more items for myself after some last minute research and also travel size Bioderma, Avene and Nuxe oil for souvenir gifts.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc €4.90 @ City Pharma

Toner for irritated skin. From what I read prior to my trip, this mist is only available in France and the UK. I have yet to try it.

Gentle makeup remover that doesn't require any rinsing. I'm on the fence about this one because I feel like I have to use so many cotton swabs to get everything off my face and the concept of not rinsing is strange. On the other hand, I like the cool and clean feeling of my skin afterward. I use it once in awhile, but haven't made it part of my daily routine. When I go back to Paris (someday), I would buy it again but I wouldn't spend the extra money to order it online. See Lisa Eldrige remove her makeup with it here.

A cult favorite moisturizer. I've been using it for the past few months and really love it. I usually change up my skincare each season (depending on how dry my skin), but this will definitely be in rotation. When my stock depletes, I will be ordering this online.

Both of these locations are nearby other main attractions... pit stop along the way of your other adventures.

French Pharmacy Tips:

Leave room in your suitcase :)

Read the links below.
Use your phone or a printout to show the pharmacist what you are searching for.
If anything, pick up Biafine and Homeoplasmine for your medicine cabinet. (According to marie claire, Lara Stone is a fan of both.)

Look for popular products sold in two-packs at great prices. I bought some La Roche Posay hand cream and gave one as a gift,